The Story Tellers | Devin McGovern

Fashion blogger Devin McGovern may be relatively new to the fashion blogging scene, but he is no stranger to the fashion bug. With his focus on men’s casual wear, Devin likes to show his take on menswear and styling. He showcases some of his favorite clothing brands in his everyday life and travels. Teaming up with his fiancé Marlene Martinez, Devin says their blog is “a blend of menswear, lifestyle as a couple, and adventuring. But really we just call it our life. We find ourselves constantly on the go and our mission is to share our fashion and adventure tips to those that follow us.”

The couple’s mission started as storytellers. They blended their love for the entertainment industry and the fashion industry. “Each and every one of us has a story a backstory and our wardrobe is a way to express who you are as a character in your story,” Devin says. “I hope that others can learn to enjoy the process. It is fun and doesn’t have to be hard. We each have a unique way of seeing the world, so share that with others and keep it authentic,” Devin continues.

Blogging

The idea of a fashion blog first sparked into Devin after coming across an interesting fact about fashion bloggers. “I read an article in the LA Times about fashion bloggers making six figures. I couldn’t believe it at the time, I thought it were just guys taking photos of their outfits or high fashioned models being hired to wear clothes. I didn’t know there was this blogger space that existed in the way that it does,” Devin says. Besides, Devin had always been interested in fashion anyway. “As a kid I grew up playing basketball and remembered being just as excited to get the uniform as I was making the team. My mom also sewed all our Halloween costumes and would do side projects for my sister and I,” Devin reflects.

For Devin, it all just kind of clicked. He knew that he could do it, especially with the help of his Fiancé. And with his great risk, came great success. “I don’t think I would do anything differently. I still have so much…The most rewarding part has been making and building new relationships. I have met some amazing people through blogging and Instagram and some of them have now become close friends. However, I still would like to evolve into ongoing collaborations with some of my favorite brands and to hire like-minded individuals that I can work with on a daily basis, inspiring others to dress well and tell their story through their fashion choices, Devin says.

Advice

Since starting his blog, Devin has picked up a tip or two on how to keep things running smoothly. He encourages others with similar passions to go out and do the same thing. “The two books that inspired me when I read them and continue to fuel me in everything that I do are The Magic of Thinking Big and Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. Because at the end of the day, what we are doing with Instagram and fashion blogging is influencing others,” Devin says. He advises that for others it is important to “find out what your style is and start following everyone in your style category. Menswear has many different angles from streetwear, to heritage and denim to fitness. So first find your style and follow all of them. Then I would suggest following brands you currently wear and the ones you want to one day work with. The next step would be following photographers that inspire you. For me I love nature, landscape photographers. Seeing the beauty in this world truly inspires me just as much as a well-made pair of denim or boots.” From there, let the inspiration carry you along your own journey and make it your own. “I spend 80% of my energy on creating and finessing my content. Learning to take good photos and tell a story with them. In the world of Instagram and blogging, your photo is the most important thing even before they look at the style you are trying to showcase,” Devin says.

A couple of tools that Devin also finds helpful to anyone pursuing a career in blogging are Wunderlist and daily walks. “Wunderlist is my number one productivity tool because it helps me keep track of the things I have to do. Between juggling Outlined, producing TV, and planning a wedding, it helps to make sure it all gets done.

Another tool I find to helpful in productivity is daily walks. I have made it a routine every afternoon to take a walk no matter how must I am even if it’s for just 5 minutes. I typically take a problem that needs solving with me on the walk and more often than not, the answer reveals itself when I get myself out of the environment that I am in,” Devin says.

If you can/could consider yourself an expert in one area of style/fashion, what would it be?

I focus on casual menswear that is functional and fashionable. It is not easy for men to style themselves in casual wear that they can both work in and look good in. I believe you can work hard in your clothes and have them still look good on you.

What are you reading these days?

I just finished reading or the audiobook about Phil Knight the founder of Nike. I love to read bios. That is my go to, on the list to listen to next is Jeff Bezos, the man behind Amazon.com.

What’s next? & why?

The next step is to build on my experience in producing reality TV and start creating digital content. The menswear space for digital content is still very much untapped and would to change that by creating fresh, innovative content.